Existing-home sales rebounded from a December plummet in January, increasing month-over-month, but not annually.
Sales increased by 3.1% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.00 million, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors. They were down 1.7% from the same time last year, however.
The Midwest, West, and South all saw sales increase, while the Northeast held steady but didn’t decline.
This is a turnaround from December, which saw existing sales shrink to their lowest point since 1995.
“While home sales remain sizably lower than a couple of years ago, January’s monthly gain is the start of more supply and demand,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Listings were modestly higher, and home buyers are…
Rising rates sent mortgage applications spiraling last week, sidelining homebuyers and forcing refis to a standstill.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 10.6%, piling onto the week prior’s 2.3% dip.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 10%, while the unadjusted index was down by 6% and was 13% lower YOY.
Rates shot up to 7.06% on the heels of less-than-ideal inflation data from January. The Fed’s preferred inflation index came in hotter than expected for January, and Wall Street pared back its bets on rate cuts from the Central Bank, now predicting they won’t come until at least May.
“The much-anticipated CPI report is…
Tough inflation data led to mortgage rates increasing for a second straight week.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.77%, up from the week prior’s 6.64%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.32%.
The 15-year fixed jumped to 6.12% from 5.90%. A year ago, it averaged 5.51%.
“On the heels of consumer prices rising more than expected, mortgage rates increased this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“The economy has been performing well so far this year and rates may stay higher for longer, potentially slowing the spring homebuying season. According to our data, mortgage applications to buy a home so far in 2024 are down in more…
Mortgage applications are swinging up and down, falling last week as rates posted increases.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – decreased by 2.3%, countering the week prior’s 3.7% rise.
Adjusted purchase applications slipped by 3%, while the unadjusted index increased by 4% and was 12% lower YOY.
Rates rose to 6.87%, their highest point since December, but have stayed in the mid-6% range since the beginning of 2024.
“Purchase applications remained subdued as elevated rates continue to add to affordability challenges along with still-low existing housing inventory. Refinance applications declined and remained depressed, with rates still higher than a year ago,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s…
Rates stayed basically the same last week, inching up just slightly.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.64%, barely budging from the week prior’s 6.63%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.12%.
Rates have stuck around the mid-6’s for about two months now.
The 15-year fixed decreased to 5.90% from 5.94%. A year ago, it averaged 5.25%.
“The economy and labor market remain strong with wage growth outpacing inflation, which is keeping consumer spending robust,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“Meanwhile, affordability in the housing market is an ongoing issue due to continued high home prices, elevated mortgage rates and low supply of homes on the market, particularly…
Potential buyers are coming out of the woodwork and touring homes, but that activity has yet to turn into a sales surge.
Redfin’s Homebuyer Demand Index, which measures requests for tours and other buying services from Redfin agents, increased by 6% in the week ending January 28.
Buyers are touring homes as rates hover in the mid-6’s, an exciting moment of stability in the wake of a rollercoaster year. Some are worried that rates will swing back up– or that ongoing home price appreciation will push their dream home out of reach regardless.
But the increase in touring has yet to translate into actual home sales. Purchase applications have actually declined, and Redfin says pending sales saw a huge drop.…
Homebuyers, newly infused with extra spending power, are returning to the housing market as they come to terms with 6% rates and move to beat out increasing competition.
Redfin reported that buyers on a $3,000 monthly budget have gained almost $40,000 in purchasing power as rates have fallen from a peak in October 2023.
This theoretical buyer can afford a $453,000 home with a mortgage rate at roughly 6.7%. Just a few months ago, they could only snag a $416,000 home at a 7.8% interest rate, a $37,000 difference.
Costs are easing for buyers across the income spectrum, of course. The monthly mortgage payment on the typical U.S. home (about $363,000) is $2,545 with a 6.7% rate but clocked in…
Mortgage rates inched up but remained within the mid-6% range, a welcome moment of stability after a rollercoaster year.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.69%, up from the week prior’s 6.60%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.13%.
The 15-year fixed also rose to 5.96% from 5.76%. A year ago, it averaged 5.17%.
“The 30-year fixed-rate has remained within a very narrow range over the last month, settling in at 6.69% this week,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“Given this stabilization in rates, potential homebuyers with affordability concerns have jumped off the fence back into the market. Despite persistent inventory challenges, we anticipate a busier spring homebuying…
Mortgage rates have slipped to their lowest levels since May.
Officials at Freddie Mac reported Thursday that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.60%, down from the week prior’s 6.66%. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.15%.
The 15-year fixed fell to 5.76% from 5.87%. A year ago, it averaged 5.28%.
“This is an encouraging development for the housing market and in particular for first-time homebuyers who are sensitive to changes in housing affordability,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist.
“However, as purchase demand continues to thaw, it will put more pressure on already depleted inventory for sale.”
Rates are the primary concern of most potential buyers, but the market remains crippled by ongoing stock shortages…
Mortgage applications soared again as treasury yields pushed rates to their lowest level in three weeks.
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey shows the adjusted Market Composite Index – a measure of mortgage loan application volume – jumped 10.4% on the heels of the week prior’s 9.9% bump.
Adjusted purchase applications rose by 9%, while the unadjusted index increased by 28% and was 20% lower YOY.
Refis also saw an increase of 11% and accounted for 37.5% of total applications. In the past decade, they averaged 58% of all activity.
The rush comes as the 30-year fixed-rate fell to 6.75% from 6.81%. Americans seem to be taking advantage of cooling rates in the new year after little activity in the…
